Southwest Airlines has announced two new agreements aimed at expanding in-flight WiFi and onboard entertainment, part of the carrier’s ongoing effort to improve the passenger experience.
By mid-2017, Southwest expects to significantly increase connectivity speeds by tripling its current bandwidth. The airline also plans to work with content partners to offer more exclusive entertainment options for travelers.
Southwest signed separate agreements with Panasonic Avionics Corporation and Global Eagle Entertainment (GEE). The Panasonic deal covers the airline’s WiFi and live television services, with the first Panasonic-equipped aircraft slated to enter service in late 2017. The agreement with Global Eagle extends Southwest’s use of GEE’s Airconnect connectivity system and related services.
Dave Davis, CEO of Global Eagle, said the company is “pleased to extend and grow our relationship, including continuing to install GEE’s Airconnect system, WiFi and television services on Southwest Airlines aircraft.” He added that Global Eagle is committed to improving the inflight connectivity experience through its next-generation network, live television offerings, and a new passenger experience platform. The new agreement and contract extension, he said, demonstrate Global Eagle’s long-term commitment to enhancing inflight entertainment and connectivity for Southwest passengers.
Southwest is also taking advantage of fleet retirements to pursue a fleet-wide WiFi rollout. As part of its modernization plan, the airline will replace some older Boeing 737-300 aircraft with newer Boeing 737-8 (MAX) jets, facilitating the installation of upgraded connectivity and entertainment systems across more aircraft.
Overall, these partnerships reflect Southwest’s focus on delivering faster, more reliable WiFi and a broader selection of onboard entertainment, improving the travel experience for its customers.